Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday Video: Level Up your Cool Down Routine

By on Dec 21, 2021 5:00 pm -

We all know how important a proper warmup is before exercising our horses and as eventer we’re pretty familiar with the cool down process too, especially after running cross country. But don’t skip on a good cool down after your day-to-day riding either!

While the cool down process may be a sped up a little over the winter if you live in a chillier climate, it’s a great time to practice the important techniques involved that will help your horse out during the competition season and maybe even add something new to your repertoire. In this video, YouTuber and equine sports therapist Lauren Allport reviews what happens in a horse’s muscles after exercise and shares some tips and tricks for cooling down — from getting your horse used to standing in ice boots to adding some massage strokes to your post-ride routine.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 5 Stars for Your Christmas Tree

By on Dec 21, 2021 3:00 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

We are cutting it down to the wire, but there’s still time to snag your dream horse in time for the holidays. These five listings are all “star” themed — we’ve got a Star Alert, Excel Star No Diggity, Excel Star Quidam’s Cavalier,Excel Star Hang Time, and a Connemara “super star.” And while they’re probably too big to top a Christmas tree with, they might just be right at home in your barn.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Connemara super star!

🦄 ☘️ Gentry Irish Clover (Fortrane Stuart CP x Rantis Diamond ISH ). Coming 6 year old 15.3hh imported Irish Sport Horse mare. “Trish” is a beautiful, talented and super forgiving mare that is wise beyond her years! If you’re looking for something with a packer mentality to quickly move you up the levels with confidence, Trish is your ride! She is easy, sweet, and the type of horse every trainer wants in their barn.

Have a grudge against owning a girl? She will change that. This mare is zero drama and with her adorable personality, will make you the center of her whole world! That’s right, she will whinny when she sees you. It’s like owning a little squeaky toy that lights up when you’re around. You can’t say no to that! ❤️

Trish is so good she won her first horse trials in the USA out of a large division! She has competed in Ireland through the Novice level and schools cross country through the Training level! She is brave, scopey, and will jump anything from any distance with very little input needed from her rider. She’s quiet enough to be a hunter, but forward enough to do the jumpers. This horse could do multiple jobs for you!

Here is another unicorn. These horses don’t come by very often! Trish is UTD on everything and has zero vices. This is the first horse I’ve had in my barn that I can’t give you a single bad thing to say about her…and we have some nice horses! Trish can be ridden every day or pulled out of her stall with a week off and is the same horse. She walks off the trailer at a show as the same horse you put on, easy and quiet.

Serious inquiries only. Yes, seriously…please. Budget suits the quality of horse. Priced in the mid-five figures. Located at Gentry Sport Horses in Spring City, PA.

Contact us privately for more information and videos.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Elegant, fearless, talent for upper levels

Star Alert is a six year old 16.3 unraced TB mare who screams upper level potential! She has lovely gaits and is schooling Training stadium and cross country with scope to spare. She is brave, catty, and smart. She will jump anything you point her at and is very adjustable to the fences. She is best suited for a confident rider as she is a forward, sensitive type, but she is kind and willing with no bad habits and is a joy to work with. She just ran Loch Moy’s Derby Cross at Beginner Novice, went clear without looking at a single obstacle, and was unphased by the atmosphere and chaos. No vices, no maintenance, loves her job. She has a single screw in her right fetlock, but multiple vets have said it should have no effect on her future soundness or potential (x-ray available to serious buyers).

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Soft, Sweet, Safe

Excel Star No Diggity is a 16.2h grey Irish gelding by Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet out of Killinick Bounce (Grange Bouncer).

He has shown successfully through 1.25m and has schooled cross country. Born in 2016, he is super comfortable on the flat with a soft jump. Easy, sweet and safe he is perfect for a junior or amateur but with the talent for a professional.

He and others are available on ExcelStarSportHorses.com

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Dressage Scores in the 20s

Excel Star Quidam’s Cavalier is the winner of his novice divisions at both the Maryland and Full Moon Farm Fall Horse Trials, with scores in the low 20s.

He is lovely mover, and easy to make round. He is a 2016 gelding by Quidam Junior out of a Cavalier Royale mare. He has a super temperament and is quiet and uncomplicated.

Super talented, her could be a show jumper, equitation mount, or eventer. With his temperament he is suitable for a junior or amateur.

He and others are available on ExcelStarSportHorses.com.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Lofty Super Jumper

A super jumper with a lofty jump, Excel Star Hang Time is ready to start jumping for you. Eventing, hunting or the show ring, this 2014 16.1h gelding is by O.B.O.S. Quality out of Veloma (x Oklund).

He has shown and cross country schooled in his native Ireland. He is brave and sweet and easy to work around in the barn. A good mover and jumper, he is a chromy bay that is easy on the eyes.

Suitable for a rider of any age, he is also talented enough for a professional.

He and others are available on ExcelStarSportHorses.com.

Watch This: London 52’s First Jump School Since Tokyo

By on Dec 21, 2021 12:01 pm -

 

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We’re only just beginning to see a fair few of the Tokyo horses coming slowly back into work after their well-deserved breaks, and team gold medal-winning London 52 is certainly one who’s happy to see some jumps again! His partner, Laura Collett, certainly has a penchant for spunky horses (case in point, this video compilation that’s worth a reshare), making it all the more entertaining to watch her laugh off the antics happening underneath her.

Because watching the video on repeat just isn’t enough, here are some screengrabs from a handful of London Leaps:

Well sat, Laura, and welcome back London 52!

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #11 – May We All Love Eventing as Much as Keira and ‘Flower’

By on Dec 21, 2021 9:00 am -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #11 spot goes to this video, which garnered 1,737 views when it was originally posted on Sept. 22, 2021.

We met Keira O’Connor-Reichert and her 12.2-hand Welsh pony, Pine Creek’s Snapdragon (Evans Cirque Du Drallion – Cymareg’s Rain or Shine), or “Flower” earlier this year, and this dynamic duo is back with a new helmet cam from Loch Moy Farm. A few snippets from Keira’s running conversation with Flower, all of which I could put on an inspirational t-shirt, honestly:

“Rise and shine pretty girl!”

“It kind of looks scary but it really isn’t it’s actually really simple. It’s not THAT bad.”

“I know it’s a pheasant feeder so it looks really weird but it’s actually really really easy. You just like pop over it – no probs!”

“See? It’s a piece of cake, Flower. No problems. All fun through the woods!”

“Oh you like the water, this one’s fun!”

“Not even scary, quite honestly. I feel like Beginner Novice can do better than that!”

“Good job, see I told you it was a breeze!”

Photo courtesy of Debbie Reichert.

These rides remind me of how much fun this sport is, and where it all begins. Life throws us many a curveball, but at the end of the day we’ll always have the horses.

Also, I’m starting a petition to bring Keira along on a five-star course walk so we can get some of her excellent, chipper commentary! Who’s with me??

Fight back against colic and digestive upset.

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The horse that matters to you matters to us®. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? We are here to help. Contact Kentucky Performance Products, LLC at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Dec 21, 2021 6:51 am -

Okay, okay, so I might not be leading with a look behind the scenes of some horsey hero’s life — but this Christmas tree tucked away in Badminton House is fuelling my festive fire so heartily. I reckon all those oil-painted ladies are smiling down on it while they daydream about the Vicarage Vee, too.

Events Opening Today: Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch, Sporting Days Farm February Trials H.T. I, Galway Downs 2022 Kickoff H.T.

Tuesday News:

In an effort to allow more people the chance to enjoy the spectacle, the Paris 2024 committee have announced their intention to hold the Opening Ceremony on the Seine. Athletes will ‘parade’ through the city by boat, and ticketed and non-ticketed zones will be in operation, making this a real citywide celebration. Mind you, the Seine does smell pretty ferociously of pee, so there’s that. The finale to the ceremony will take place at Trocadero, in full view of the Eiffel Tower — perfectly timed, we expect, to coincide with the Tower’s hourly twinkle. Magic.

The winter months don’t have to be a slog — instead, they can be among the most fruitful of your year. ICP instructor, US team selector, Olympian and all-round legend Phyllis Dawson is a woman who knows how to extract the good stuff from the off season — here are her tips.

We can all get so caught up in our goals that occasionally, it’s possible to forget why we fell in love with horses in the first place. But for nine-year-old Maeve Rae-Bognar, it’s all about the love — and she’s helping the riders on the Cornell Equestrian Team reconnect with what really counts as she battles leukaemia with gumption and an unfaltering smile on her face.

If you’re horse-shopping at the moment, we know you know how insane the market is right now. Good horses are getting snapped up in minutes, prices are through the roof, and finding the perfect horse feels a bit like the London dating scene right now: gross and grimy and full of threes. So here’s a reassuring tale from someone who got it done — and the details of how they made it happen, too.

Listen to this: The new episode of the Practical Horseman podcast features a candid conversation with Buck Davidson — perfect for listening to while you’re wrapping presents today.

Video Break:

The London International Horse Show — or the Artist Formerly Known as Olympia — came to an exciting close last night with 22-year-old Harry Charles doing a remarkable double by taking both the World Cup and Grand Prix victories. Here’s his exceptional World Cup effort:

Monday Video from SmartPak: Catch Up with the London International Horse Show Action

By on Dec 20, 2021 5:30 pm -

Though it’s a far cry from eventing, with its capacious fields and wide open spaces, the London International Horse Show is always a gathering point for champagne-drunk event riders — and, really, anyone with so much as a passing interest in horses, all of whom gather together under the lights in the Thameside venue to ring in the holiday season to the sound of ‘Sweet Caroline.’ This year, the show has made a welcome return after a year out due to the pandemic, and though it’s relocated from its iconic home at Kensington’s Olympia to east London’s ExCel Centre, all the magic has made the journey too. (No word, yet, whether the magic found the Docklands Light Railway or the Emirates cable car a quicker entry point. I, for one, took a boat, like the true Bond villain I am, and I highly recommend doing so and getting a leetle beetPinot Grizj drunk en route.)

If you’re not able to get to London for the show this year, you can follow along with all its major classes on Horse&Country TV and the BBC — including the entertainment line-up, featuring the Shetland pony Grand National, the Household Cavalry, and an appearance from Santa himself. Alternatively, catch up with the action so far with these highlights reels from the past two days of competition, featuring a 2.10m puissance wall, a special prize for Olympic showjumping gold medallist Ben Maher, a look around the venue, and much, much more. In the words of Noddy Holder in that awful Slade song, IIIIIIIIIT’S CHRIIIIIIISTMAS!

Diamond Deals From Aztec Diamond Equestrian

By on Dec 20, 2021 3:00 pm -

Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself, finding high quality riding gear that fits well and looks good can be hard. Enter Aztec Diamond Equestrian. This UK-based brand aims to be a fashion-forward equestrian brand that offers stylish, high quality, technical apparel for all disciplines of equestrian sport. So far, they’re nailing it. That’s why we’ve put together this list of some diamond-level riding apparel from Aztec Diamond Equestrian.

Riding Staples (with a bit extra)

Limited Edition Onyx Full Seat Riding Leggings

These awesome leggings are made from recycled fabric and offer full coverage with four-way stretch. The detail I like best: the Aztec Diamond logo grip on the seat. It’s subtle and adds a unique feature that lets everyone know that even in your riding basics, you pay attention to detail.

Black/Neon Colour Block Base Layer

I’ll be honest — I can never have enough base layers. Whether it’s when I’m riding or just working around the barn, these are the foundation of my winter apparel. This color (or colour, for those in the UK) block base layer does not disappoint. It’s sleek, breathable and sweat-wicking. Plus, it just looks cool.

Limited Edition Black Quartz Base Layer

Speaking of base layers and looking cool, check out this Limited Edition Black Quartz Base Layer. Aztec Diamond clearly has the whole looking chic while riding thing down. The detail on this quick drying, breathable base layer makes me want to buy all of them… now. 

Reflective League Bomber Jacket

So, this is one isn’t as much of a riding staple as, say, leggings, but upon reflection (see what I did there?), it’s quite useful for those who hack out regularly. In fact, if there’s one way to insure your visibility on the road, this is it. Normally, the jacket is a deep gray/petrol color; however, it’s fully iridescent and reflective under light. So, this is one way to help keep you and your horse safe when visibility is low. Plus, it’s just freaking rad.

Stocking Stuffers

If you’re shopping for someone else, it can be hard to pick out apparel. That’s why these stocking stuffers are always safe.

Black Soft Shell Riding Gloves

These Black Soft Shell Riding Gloves are water resistant, touch screen compatible and have silicone imprint for grip while riding. Plus, they’re available in youth sizes as well as adult.

Tech Riding Socks

As an equestrian, I literally cannot get enough riding socks. I wear them until they have holes in them. That said, I definitely have favorites. These Tech Riding Socks top that list. They’re tall (always a must for me), sweat-wicking and offer spur strap padding. Plus they come in a variety of colors. How can you go wrong?

Beanie or Head Band

There’s nothing worse than a cold head while you’re tacking up or doing barn chores. That’s why this beanie and head band make for great stocking stuffers. They’re both made with luxurious ribbed fabric and the head ban is lined with faux fur to keep your ears warm.

For Young Riders

As the parent of three young children (two of whom ride), I am always looking for quality gear for them that both fits well and won’t break the bank. Aztec Diamond Equestrian offers a complete line of riding gear for young riders that has the same quality as their adult line and isn’t prohibitively expensive (plus, there are always deals to be had).

Young Riders Beige PC Leggings

These Beige PC Leggings are designed specifically for competitive riding and are Pony Club Approved. They’re made with a double-thick, four-way stretch fabric to keep young riders as comfortable as possible. They feature a secure, removable elastic boot strap, which means no Jodhpur clips required! They’re available in sizes appropriate four young children all the way up to adolescents.

YR Base Layer

This buttery-soft base layer will set the foundation for keeping your young rider warm and comfortable during those winter lessons. Plus, it comes in enough colors to keep even the pickiest riders happy.

Hand Warmer & Charger

One of the biggest issues I notice at the barn with my kids is how hard it is for them to keep warm. The little ones absolutely freezeHand Warmer & Charger as they learn to use their bodies and ride correctly. Their hands suffer the worst. This aims to keep those fingers much warmer while young riders are working around the barn. Not only is this amazing product is pocket size so it can go anywhere, but also it has been designed to lend a helping hand; whether this be warming hands or charging devices. (This product may be a must-have for young riders, but it’s making my list as well.)

YR Puffer Jacket

Another way to keep the kiddos warm is this YR Puffer Jacket. It is water-resistant and offers thick quilting to keep kids from ages four and up warm in the barn. Plus, it’s soft to the touch, which will ward off the complaints of itchiness and discomfort that often accompany layering children for warmth (at least in my household).

This list only scratches the surface of the awesome products available from Aztec Diamond Equestrian. In addition to fashion-forward clothing for riders, they also offer sleek horse wear that corresponds perfectly with their equestrian apparel. Plus, you don’t have to feel guilty about ordering from Aztec Diamond — many of their products are made from recycled material and all of their packaging is biodegradable.

Taylor Greene: From the Jumper Ring to an Eventing Euro Tour with Tamie Smith

By on Dec 20, 2021 12:00 pm -

Taylor Greene, from Nipomo, California unexpectedly found herself grooming for Tamie Smith in Europe at Aachen and Boekelo in the fall of 2021. Follow along as we learn about her journey!

Tamie Smith’s groom, Taylor Greene, takes on horse-whisperer duties. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Originally, grooming wasn’t exactly at the top of Taylor’s list. She was working for a hunter jumper trainer in San Luis Obispo, Ca., but her parents met Tamie at an event since they are photographers for most of the events on the Central Coast through the always popular Marcus Greene Outdoor Photography. “When [Tamie] had posted that she was looking for somebody, my mom had asked me and I was like, ‘no I like the situation I’m in now!'”

 

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Tamie posted seeking a groom again, and after some convincing, Taylor gave it a shot. She felt she had the base of knowledge she’d need for the job at hand through her riding and experience in other disciplines. “I feel like I have learned a lot from riding with her even though eventing isn’t my discipline,” she said.”

Taylor started by helping Tamie, then switched to helping Kaylawna Smith-Cook, Tamie’s daughter. One week, Taylor found herself working fully for Tamie, and a few weeks later, Tamie asked her to travel to Europe and be her groom there. “How do you really say no to all of that?” Taylor said. “So I was just like, ‘okay!’”

When Tamie went back to the U.S. for a few events during the Euro Tour, Taylor enjoyed staying with the horses — the Ahearn family and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum, Ruth Bley’s Danito and Julianna Guariglia’s Solaguayre California — in Europe. “I was able to lesson with Johann Hinnemann and really work on dressage,” she recalled. “And I was able to learn so much more about riding because she was gone and I had to ride the horses.”

 

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Grooming in Europe did come with some challenges for Taylor. “I’m kind of a perfectionist, which is very hard to be when I’m trying to learn how to do something,” she explained. “So because I’ve never groomed before, I’m learning how Tamie likes everything done and just how to time manage everything. With those horses, there’s the physio and in Germany I put them on the treadmill daily or twice a day, and then there was the riding and the evening physio. I think just trying to make everything perfect and being the best that I could be was probably the most challenging.”

Taylor got a system going when she groomed for Tamie, with her Notes app on her phone quickly becoming her best friend for keeping track of tasks and staying organized. Taylor would write everything she needed to do in her Notes app and plan out her day from there.

“Whatever the ride time would be, I would have them ready ten minutes before she wanted to be on,” she explained. “I’d start getting ready 45 minutes before that just in case we needed to do a tack swap or something didn’t fit properly or something broke, or I got caught up doing something else.”

After the whirlwind tour and crash course in becoming an eventing groom, Taylor has since returned home and is focusing on her own riding. She has four horses of her own, which makes it difficult to be a full-time groom. She grooms for riders sometimes, and she recently helped her hunter jumper friend at a show. Going forward, Taylor wants to focus on her own four horses, and says she wants to “maybe pursue a different career, but always stay riding.”

 

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Go Taylor and Go Eventing.

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #12 – Beware the Flower Monsters

By on Dec 20, 2021 9:00 am -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #12 spot goes to this video, which garnered 1,613 views when it was originally posted on Jan. 18, 2021.

I’m not very good at this whole tiktok thingy but luckily Georgie Newton is! I haven’t laughed this much in forever! It’s a good job we love him ❤️ watch with volume up!

Posted by Jess Roisin Dunn on Saturday, January 16, 2021

Sometimes you’ve just got to wonder what the heck is running though your horse’s head. This video hazards a guess and this hilarious voiceover seems like it could be pretty darn accurate!

British dressage rider Jess Roisin Dunn recounts this ride, which took place about two and half years ago at the Hartpury Festival of Dressage Premier League, by saying “I feel like that day will be engrained in my memory forever! [The horse’s] owner had driven the three hours to come watch. He had never been bothered by flowers up until that day. Unfortunately … he’s had a problem with flowers ever since! He was obviously hugely offended by the wispy ones 🤣🤣“

When asked is she has any advice for riding through such moments, Jess told EN: “Mostly try to ignore it! I won’t ever win that battle with him so lots of big pats and scratches seems to lessen the reaction but not eradicate it!”

Thanks for sharing, Jess!

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Dec 20, 2021 6:30 am -

 

‘Tis the season — the season for big bucking fits, that is. Even those who ride older, ‘wiser’ horses aren’t safe from a case of five-minute madness, as demonstrated by Tiana Coudray‘s 2012 Olympic mount Ringwood Magister, who’s been busy teaching Morgan Evenett the true meaning of stickability. Ahh, they’re so sweet and sensible when they’re in their 20s, aren’t they?

National Holiday: It’s both National Caroling Day and National Sangria Day, and I fully condone combining the two to create an adrenaline sport I like to call ‘Danger Caroling.’

Your Monday Reading List:

Despite considerable backlash from the jumping community in particular, the three-to-a-team rule at the Olympics looks like it’s here to stay. But how did that vote get through — and is horse welfare being negatively impacted by the sway of ‘ghost voters’ in the form of smaller national federations? Pippa Cuckson investigates.

The extraordinary Rachael Blackmore has been named the World Sport Star of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality awards. This comes after an awe-inspiring season that saw her become the first-ever female winner of the Grand National and the first female leading jockey at Cheltenham. My own trainer discovered that the best way to get me to see a stride to a fence is to bellow “PRETEND YOU’RE RACHAEL BLACKMORE” at me as I turn onto the line, so she truly is magical.

After an Olympic Games, there’s always valid concern about what will happen to those expensive, purpose-built venues. Now, we know how Tokyo’s Baji Koen equestrian venue will be utilised going forward, and it’s a huge win for riders with disabilities at the grassroots and competitive levels.

Irish eventer Jonty Evans continues to make great strides in his ongoing recovery from the 2018 fall that left him with a traumatic brain injury. He and Cooley Rorkes Drift have been out showjumping recently, delivering what a round that Jonty describes as his first proud moment in competition since his return.

The FutureTrack Follow:

Travel the world, go behind the scenes at the biggest events, and learn a few useful tips from superstar vet Chris Elliott.

 

Morning Viewing: 

Watch recently retired jump jockey Lizzie Kelly and the Grade One winning Tea For Two tackle their post-track training with a bit of help from Piggy March — it’s perfect OTTB inspo for a gloomy Monday.